Video interviews

[whatthej3ff]

I've been applying for a plethora of jobs and there has been a couple of times when I've been asked to complete a video interview. On both occasions I've tried but COMPLETELY messed up and simply given up half way through (which I know is bad in itself).

I find them extremely difficult, i'm simply not capable of juggling the stress of the interview, watching a clock, thinking of examples while feeling exposed because i'm being recorded. I hate it! I've got to a point where if I'm invited to complete a video interview, I'll just withdraw my application even if I love the sound of the job.

It seems to be a tool that lots of companies are adopting so I need to pull myself together. Does anyone have any tips on dealing with these and how I can improve?

They aren’t usually recorded and if they are you have to be notified before the recording starts. In my recent interview, I stuck notes to the side of my screen so when looking at notes it looked like I was looking at the camera rather than down at a notepad. I think you just need to relax, it doesn’t matter if you aren’t always looking directly at the people on the other end. Also, why do you need to look at a clock? It is down to the interviewer to move the meeting at the correct pace, if you have a presentation to do then time it beforehand and practice it a few times. If you are good and know what you are talking about rather than just rambling, it won’t matter if you go slightly over, they will be interested in what you have to say.

Video interviews are going to be the way forward so I think you will be doing yourself a huge disservice to discount any roles where this is offered.

Good luck OP

I did one for agency work. It is really hard not having anyone there to give you any sort of encouragement or feedback.

Isanholeagoal I think OP is talking about interviews where you're asked to submit a recording of yourself answering pre-set questions, not an MS Teams or Zoom interview.

I feel the same, and honestly can't see the purpose of them. If the recruiters are going to watch them all, they might as well interview people in real time anyway.

One that I did submit, I wrote down prepared answers to the questions and basically read them out as though I was talking spontaneously.

That's the only thing I can suggest, other than smiling, looking at the camera, not speaking too quickly etc.

Oh my mistake, sorry never heard of pre recorded interview answers

I think they're quite a new thing, possibly pandemic related.

I did one, and hated it and didn't get invited to a 'proper' interview. I was actually not at all disappointed as the faffy application form and them choosing this format didn't cast the organisation in a very promising light.